Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, June 24: India's Deputy Chief of Mission to the United States, Namgya C. Khampa, has described the India-US relationship as one of the most significant strategic partnerships of the 21st century, emphasising that its strength lies not in complete agreement on every issue but in the increasingly strong strategic foundations shared by both nations.

Speaking at an event on Capitol Hill, Khampa said India and the United States continue to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, defence and regional security, even as they occasionally differ on certain matters.

“The India-US partnership has been described as one of the most seminal and defining partnerships of the 21st century,” she said.

“That description is justified not because we are 100 per cent aligned and agree on every issue — because we do not necessarily, and that is natural — but because the strategic logic underpinning the relationship has become stronger with every passing year.”

Her remarks come at a time when New Delhi and Washington are engaged in discussions to expand bilateral trade, strengthen technological collaboration and enhance security coordination throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Khampa said recent developments have demonstrated the resilience and maturity of the partnership.

“The year that has gone by and what we have managed to build together over the last year shows us the resilience of the partnership,” she said.

She also highlighted the strong personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, saying both leaders remain committed to taking bilateral ties forward.

“As you all know, they share a warm friendship and a common commitment to advancing the relationship,” she said.

The diplomat further referred to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent visit to India, during which he held bilateral discussions and participated in a meeting of Quad foreign ministers.

Trade, she said, continues to be a major pillar of the relationship, with both countries working towards finalising a bilateral trade agreement.

“The determination on both sides is to conclude the bilateral trade agreement and expand opportunities for shared economic prosperity,” Khampa said.

Expressing optimism about ongoing negotiations, she added that the objective extends far beyond tariff reductions.

“Our goal is to build a stronger, deeper, more mutually beneficial and ambitious economic partnership,” she said.

Khampa identified energy cooperation as another rapidly growing area, noting that India's increasing energy requirements complement America's abundant energy resources.

She pointed to opportunities in crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and civil nuclear cooperation as key areas of future collaboration.

According to Khampa, technology will likely define the next chapter of India-US relations.

“Technology is truly an area where the future of this partnership lies,” she said.

She listed artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced computing, quantum communications and other critical technologies among the priority sectors for both governments.

She also said both countries are working to diversify global supply chains and reduce dependence on concentrated technology hubs.

On the defence front, Khampa said cooperation now spans military engagement, maritime security, intelligence sharing, critical technologies and counterterrorism initiatives.

She highlighted the signing of a 10-year defence framework agreement last year, describing it as a roadmap for future collaboration.

“It provides a foundation to further deepen cooperation, engagement and interoperability across the entire spectrum of defence and security partnerships,” she said.

Khampa also stressed the significance of the Quad, comprising India, the United States, Japan and Australia, in maintaining a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Throughout her address, however, she repeatedly underscored the importance of people-to-people ties and the role of the Indian diaspora.

“Ultimately, the strength of this partnership rests not just on governments and what they are doing, but on our people,” she said.

She credited the more than five million Indian Americans living in the United States with transforming official diplomatic ties into a broader societal partnership.

“People are the ultimate custodians of this partnership,” Khampa said.

She praised the Indian-American community for its contributions across business, medicine, technology, entrepreneurship, academia and public service, describing them as an important bridge connecting the two nations.

“Your voices matter, and your perspectives matter,” she told the audience.

Concluding her remarks, Khampa thanked lawmakers from both political parties in the US Congress for their continued support in strengthening India-US ties.

“We continue to count on congressional leadership and support as we take this relationship to newer heights,” she said.